Deaton told The Associated Press that he and other university leaders “are working every day to hold the Big 12 together” but the next move is largely dependent on the Sooners. Oklahoma president David Boren said earlier this month that the school was in contact with multiple conferences and expected to decide soon whether to remain in the Big 12.

The conference lost Nebraska (Big Ten) and Colorado (Pac-12) over the summer.

The Missouri chancellor is president of the Big 12’s board of directors. He says Missouri is well-positioned to land on its feet should the Big 12 disintegrate, though he declined to name specific destinations.